Governor Kitzhaber signed anExecutive Order in September 2012 that requires state-owned buildings and properties to become tobacco free. This Executive Order prohibits the use of all tobacco products (including smokeless tobacco and electronic cigarettes) inside state agency buildings and on state agency grounds. This order applies to all employees, volunteers, and visitors.

DOC became tobacco free on January 1, 2015. This means no use of any tobacco on any portion of DOC grounds, including parking lots, sidewalks, and doorways. Visitors will begin to see signs and posters in DOC parking lots, lobbies, and visiting rooms to remind everyone of the deadline.

Tobacco Facts

Tobacco use is the No. 1 cause of preventable deaths in Oregon.

Almost 7,000 Oregonians die every year from tobacco use, and an additional 750 nonsmokers die every year from the effects of secondhand smoke.